Casa Calamari — Restaurant in South Carolina

We have ordered from Casa Calamari multiple times. The food is always delicious! We ordered off their website tonight. I clicked “ordered online” and selected the items we wanted for dinner. I spent over $100. Although I know this is not completely the restaurants fault, I’m still quite annoyed by how the situation was handled. I received multiple calls from DoorDash, Slice, and the restaurant itself not knowing where my order was. The door dasher that called stated she was there to pick up my order but the restaurant had already given my order to someone else. The dasher, who was very pleasant, put me through to the restaurant. The “manager” I spoke to was not quite so polite. She was very adamant that it was not their fault. I asked for the difference between Slice and DoorDash, as I had had conversations with both by this point. Slice is apparently just the platform that takes the orders and DoorDash is who delivers (in case anybody else was wondering). I could not get a direct answer from the restaurant, door dash, or slice as to what was going on with my order, other than someone had MAYBE picked it up! The manager I talked to at the restaurant, Mida (sp?), was absolutely no help and did nothing to help soothe the situation. All I got from her was “ok,” “I understand,” and “whatever.” She did nothing to help me or help calm my frustration. Nor did DoorDash or Slice, but I feel like this falls heavily on the restaurant not monitoring who is picking up orders. NOWHERE on their website does it say that “DoorDash will be delivering” your order. So how am I suppose to know that DoorDash is even involved! The entire online ordering/delivery process could absolutely be handled MUCH BETTER! Did I ever receive my order? No. But from past experience, is the food good? Yes. Will I order online again for delivery? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! I am NOT happy with how my so-called delivery transpired, nor am I happy with how any of it was handled. Will I order online again? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Will I go to the restaurant...

The only thing positive about this place was the waitresses service. I will preface by saying I work in the food safety industry. While on vacation my wife and I decided to try Casa Calamari. Again, waitress was amazing. The calamari was flavorless. I ordered the Osso Bucco special. It comes in a timely fashion I begin to cut the meat from the bone because it wasn’t falling off like it should. I being to cut and that’s when I realized they served me pork that was still frozen.

HACCP is imperative in the food and beverage industry and taking the final cooking temps before serving meats and poultry is a must. This final temp was not taken and I was served frozen pork. I had taken a few exterior bites before noticing. Instead of causing a scene I call the waitress over tell her the issue and request the check. She comes back saying the manager took it off the bill. I then look over and see the manager and the 2 cooks laughing. By this point I am furious but still in the vacation spirit I pay the bill and leave.

Upon leaving I call to speak with the manager explain the importance of HACCP and final cooking temps and she had know idea what I was referring to. I then call her out about professional appearance and how her and her coworkers laughing at a serious matter was not appropriate. Undercooked the meat can harbor parasites, like roundworms or tapeworms. These parasites can cause foodborne illnesses like trichinosis or taeniasis which could be fatal. The situation was poorly handled and unbecoming of a manager. Being that I am in the food safety industry I will be making a formal report in hopes the cooks get the proper training needed to ensure this does not happen again.

I would love to speak with the owner...

I am so impressed. I got the seafood trio marinara pictured below. Asked if they would please swap sauce to white wine garlic and they kindly did so. When the food arrived, I was completely blown away. Plate was packed with mussels, shrimp and calamari. Everything was so wonderfully prepared. Nothing was tough or mealy which can often happen with shellfish. Everything was tender and flavorful. It's quite obvious these folks care about their food. Serious skill on display here.

Prices were very fair. Nothing that breaks the bank. Decor was nice and inviting. Restaurant was tidy as well. When you walk through the door you are hit with the smell of garlic and spice. It's quite comforting and makes you excited to be there.

Service was excellent. Everything showed up at the right time. We never felt rushed. Server provided recommendations and was on the spot for refills and to clear plates so table never felt crowded. They say that never having to ask for something is a sign of great service. I can tell you that's exactly what I experienced with this visit.

I will most definitely be going back. Google maxes at 5 stars, but personally I say 10 out of 10 - must do again! Hope your experience is as...